Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has held a high-level business roundtable with China’s GCL Group as part of his ongoing investment and trade mission to the People’s Republic of China, in a move aimed at attracting foreign investment into the state’s renewable energy sector.
The meeting, which was also attended by Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, brought together top executives of GCL Group, one of China’s leading global energy companies founded by billionaire entrepreneur Zhu Gongshan.
Discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation between GCL Group and Nigeria, with particular emphasis on developing large-scale solar energy projects in Zamfara State to support industrial growth and improve electricity supply.
During the meeting, GCL Group expressed strong interest in investing in solar power projects across Zamfara, citing confidence in the state’s investment-friendly policies and Governor Lawal’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for foreign investors.
The company also indicated its readiness to explore broader partnerships covering technology transfer, local content development and workforce capacity building as part of the proposed collaboration.
To advance the initiative, both parties agreed to establish a joint technical working group that will oversee feasibility studies, project planning, financing arrangements and regulatory processes required for the proposed investments.
Following the technical team’s work, GCL Group has committed to sending an official investment and technical delegation to Zamfara State to conduct site assessments and engage with local stakeholders before moving the projects to the implementation stage.
Governor Lawal said the engagement forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to position Zamfara as a preferred destination for global investment while diversifying the state’s economy beyond mining and agriculture.
If implemented, the proposed solar projects are expected to provide reliable electricity, stimulate industrial development, create employment opportunities, strengthen local businesses and improve access to clean energy across the state.
The planned investment also aligns with the Federal Government’s renewable energy agenda aimed at increasing clean energy generation and reducing carbon emissions.
Governor Lawal’s investment mission to China is expected to continue with further engagements involving investors in the mining, agriculture and infrastructure sectors as Zamfara seeks additional partnerships to drive long-term economic development.